Prepare yourself
When she isn’t officiating weddings, exercise gear is Jacqui Patterson’s uniform. “Being active for me is like cleaning my teeth. If I haven’t done my exercise fix, I am a bit antsy,” says the 50 year old. She tries to get her daily exercise out of the way early with an hour on the bike or a 10km walk along the coast, but in preparation for Survivor she took a step up and joined a boot camp, working on her push ups.
Former financial executive Kate Temby, 47, was already at peak fitness, having been a runner for many years. Following an injury late last year, she took up F45 training several times a week, focusing on strength and balance to prepare for Survivor. She also increased her regular daily meditation in the six months leading up to the show.
“There is so much physical and emotional uncertainty during the competition. You are not really sure when the next meal is coming, nor are you sure when you are going to sleep or what you are going to eat,” she says. “Being physically and mentally strong, I knew I would be alright.”
Thinking young
Jacqui and Kate have proved there is no age barrier to being healthy and fit enough to enter Australian Survivor.
“I am the fittest I have ever been in my entire life. I feel awesome!” Jacqui says.
“Too many people have excuses about what they are capable and not capable of. You can be any age if you have applied yourself and lived your life in preventative way,” says Jacqui. “I want to show women of all ages that life doesn’t end at 30.”
Kate agrees, saying people often use age to make assumptions on skills and capabilities. “When you age, you are seen differently by society and I don’t think Survivor contestants are any different. You need time for people to get to know you [and your abilities]. The number one thing I wanted to do in Survivor was last the first two weeks without being eliminated because then people start to see you as a person rather than your age.”
Mental agility
To ease her anxiety before the competition started, Jacqui practised breathing exercises and settling her mind. “It is always the fear of the unknown. Going into anything you haven’t done before is always going to seem bigger and scarier.”
Kate applied her mental strength to being strategic during the competition. “Sleep is something we all know restores our bodies,” she Kate, and she found the lack of sleep in the competition took a toll on everyone’s emotional robustness.
“My game play was one of stability and judgement. I was hoping that when others would be freaking out, I would bring calmness.”
Self-belief
Whether you are improving your fitness or entering Survivor, Kate’s advice is “give it a go!”
“And listen to those around you,” she reminds us. “Maybe they believe in you a little more than you can.”
Jacqui emphasises the importance of backing yourself, saying “Everyone is just as capable as the next person”. The key is to believe and tell yourself: “I can do this! I do have something to offer and I am worthy of this!”
Who will win?
Kate says, “They’ve got some fantastic characters this year”. Having bonded with Tessa, she is backing her for the win. “I think she is really focused on the game.”
If Jacqui doesn’t take the title of Australian Survivor, Jarrad is her next pick to win. “I think he is a little bit of a misfit and he is up against all the big boys … the big 6ft lean, mean fighting machines. He just seems to have a really nice demeanour about him.”
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